Predicting the 2011 MLB season. Without a net. Past embarrassments: NL West, NL Central, NL East, AL East and AL Central.
Texas Rangers -- 92-70
Note: Should the Athletics ever get their offensive act together, the Rangers time here in the spotlight is very limited. The Rangers already have a crapload against them and it is not going to be easy. It might never be easy for the Rangers. However, players will contribute, heroes will be made and things will work out. For now. Pluck can take you only so far.
Oakland Athletics -- 88-74
What is this?! The Rangers West? Rich Harden. Willie Moscoso. Brandon McCarthy. Cripes. Luckily, the Athletics have a very salty rotation with Brett Anderson, Gio Gonzalez (who I think wins 18 games, at least) and Trevor Cahill (very possible Cy Young candidate). The A's pitching makes them incredibly scary. Very scary. Downright frigtening. Unfortunately, they can't score. Collection of hitters we've seen before: Josh Willingham, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Conor Jackson, Ryan Sweeney, David DeJesus and CoCo Crisp. Same ol' names, same ol' results.
California Angels -- 81-81
Lot to like, still. Lot to dislike. Did you know their starting outfield has an average age of 35? That Jered Weaver struck out 233 and posted a 3.01 ERA and went 13-12. They can't score. I can't imagine that improving with Vernon Wells.
Seattle Mariners -- 59-103
Could seriously get some guys on the bags: Ichiro, Milton Bradley and Jack Cust are all on the team. If the Mariners paid anyone to drive them all in, they'd be set. That and having a reliable starter that isn't named "Felix" are good starts. By the end of the season, the Mariners will field the best Triple A team in Major League Baseball.
